Suicide Prevention Program Intern, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Length of the internship – Fall and Spring Semesters (2021-2022 Academic Year)
Application Open: July 1st, 2021
Application deadline: July 31, 2021

About DBHDD: Created by the Governor and General Assembly in 2009, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and its network of community providers offer treatment and support services to help people with behavioral health challenges achieve recovery by focusing on their strengths. Through uniquely tailored supports and services, we help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities attain independence and lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Within DBHDD, the Office of Behavioral Health Prevention and Federal Grants (OBHPFG) is charged with providing prevention leadership, strategic planning, and services to improve the mental/emotional well-being of communities, families, and individuals in Georgia. OBHPFG develops and contracts for prevention services across the state specifically designed to reduce the risks and increase protective factors linked to substance abuse related problem behaviors, suicide, and mental health promotion, all while being mindful of cultural and linguistic competency.

Description: The Suicide Prevention Program implements and oversees multiple federal grant and statefunded projects and programs aimed at reducing the suicide rate in Georgia by building sustainable statewide suicide prevention capacity and addressing at-risk populations and communities with high suicide burden. The Suicide Prevention Program intern will learn how to utilize SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework model and apply evidence-based best practices while supporting one or more suicide prevention initiatives across the state. Duties may include but are not limited to assisting the members of the Suicide Prevention Team in conducting literature searches and reviews, data collection, developing communication materials, report writing, and conducting community presentations, trainings, and events.

Eligibility Requirements
• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, social work, psychology, or a closely related field
• Ability to work on-site at assigned office (2 Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta)
• Ability to work remotely as needed, including attending virtual meetings

Preferred Qualifications
• The optimal candidate will have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.) and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Documented coursework, work experience, and/or volunteer experience related to behavioral health or public health
• Documented experience with academic research and/or data analysis
• General awareness of key issues related to suicide prevention in the United States

The Intern position can be used to satisfy college credit or practicum hours.

How to apply?
Email resume and cover letter to suicide [dot] prevention [at] dbhdd [dot] ga [dot] gov with subject line: SPP Intern Application. For more information visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/bh-prevention/suicide-prevention